Ji'Aire's Story

Ji'Aire Donnell Lee was born on August 22, 2011 to his Mother Romechia Marie Simms and his Father James Donnell Lee. Ji'Aire was special from the start because he shook the entire state of Manyland upon his arrival (Maryland's Earthquake of 2011). Ji'Aire was loved and adored by his family and loved his family more than anything. He loved to play sports, watch his favorite show and eat. 

In 2015 Romechia Simms experienced a mental health crisis. Her mother, Vontasha Simms, reached out to every possible agency and resource that was available at that time. After many closed doors and failed attempts of getting assistance with this crisis, Romechia and Ji'Aire went to the park just like many days before. Unfortunately and tragically, Ji'Aire never returned. Ji'Aire and his mother had been at Will's Memorial Park for nearly two days, and Ji'Aire died from hypothermia and dehydration.

Ji'Aire's death continued to devastate the family in that Vontasha's nephew, Micheal Simms, died 10 months after Ji'Aire — both due to the lack of adequate mental health treatment available. Ji'Aire's Workgroup was suggested in committee in the Maryland General Assembly. A workgroup was to be formed in order to assess and re-evaluate existing laws and what changes needed to be made in order to prevent another death like Ji'Aire's.

Ji'Aire's Law would allow a parent, family member, or someone court-appointed to petition the court to be given a legal guardianship role over the care and wellbeing of a mentally ill person suffering from a mental health crisis. This would allow the mentally ill person to seek immediate treatment from mental health professionals, while allowing them to maintain custody of their minor child and or children.